The government has launched the National Communication Policy 2026 to improve public access to official information, coordinate communication across government institutions and strengthen the use of digital platforms.
The policy, launched on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, is intended to improve public access to government information, coordinate messages across institutions and strengthen communication through digital platforms.
Minister of ICT and National Guidance Justine Kasule Lumumba said the policy would guide communication across all ministries, departments, agencies, local governments and Uganda’s missions abroad.
“Cabinet adopted the Policy on March 9, 2026. It guides communication by all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Local Governments and Uganda’s Missions abroad. Its purpose is to help citizens understand government programmes, access information and services, and take part in decisions that affect them,” Lumumba said.
The minister said President Museveni had called for consistent government messaging when Cabinet adopted the policy, emphasising the need for institutions to work together in communicating government programmes and development initiatives.
“At the Cabinet meeting that adopted the Policy, His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called for clear and consistent government messages. He stressed the need for institutions to work together so that citizens understand government policies, programmes and development initiatives. The President also pledged to increase funding for government communication,” Lumumba said.
Under the policy, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance will lead implementation, coordinate government communication, set communication standards, follow up on Cabinet decisions and oversee compliance.
The ministry will also administer the scheme of service governing the work and career development of government communication officers.
Lumumba said government institutions would retain responsibility for explaining their programmes and preparing information for the public, while ensuring their communication strategies conform to the new policy.
“The Ministry will support government institutions to prepare communication strategies that follow the Policy. Each institution will remain responsible for explaining its programmes, preparing information for the public, and translating or adapting messages to meet the needs of its audiences,” she said.
Implementation will be supported by the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, Uganda Media Centre, Government Citizen Interaction Centre, Vision Group, Uganda Communications Commission, National Information Technology Authority Uganda and the Media Council of Uganda.
A secretariat within the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance will coordinate the work of the supporting institutions.
The policy was developed through consultations with public and private sector stakeholders, including the Cabinet Secretariat, government institutions, communication professionals and the Communication and National Guidance Advisory Taskforce.
All ministries, departments, agencies and local governments are required to incorporate communication into the planning, delivery and review of their programmes and projects.
The policy is also intended to support priorities in the National Resistance Movement government Manifesto for 2026 to 2031 and the Fourth National Development Plan covering 2025 to 2030.
Lumumba said implementation would begin immediately, starting with sessions to explain the policy and help government institutions incorporate its requirements into their daily work.
